Vernon D. Piedt

Vernon D. Piedt went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 12, 2009, at Woodland Terrace Retirement Community in Bridgman. He is joyfully reunited with the love of his life and soul mate Velma who preceded him in death this past February and to whom he was married to for 61 years. Services celebrating his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, with Pastor Win Decker officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September, 15 at the funeral home. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Vernon was born on January 14, 1920 in Benton Harbor to John and Olive Piedt (Prillwitz). He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1938 and attended Twin City Business College. He married Velma Elsie Behr on Oct. 25, 1947, at Clay Street Baptist Church in Benton Harbor. Together they had three children, Susan, Stephen and Sheryl. Vern was co-owner of John E. Piedt & Sons Farm Supply and Garden Center for 42 years. He served in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations with the 814th Aviation Engineer Battalion in England, North Africa, Sicily and Italy. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association and a charter member of the Napier Parkview Baptist Church where he was actively involved in many ministries including congregational song leader, treasurer, usher, and member of the choir. Vern loved hunting and fishing at his Canadian Retreat “Preacher’s Island” on Big Bear Lake in Ontario. Vernon is survived by his sister Lucille Garbuschewski (Kurt) and three children Susan Mueller (Larry) of Mason, Stephen Piedt (Barb) of Grand Rapids and Sheryl Kaptur (Drew) of South Haven. He was the grandfather of five Brenton House (Lisa), Blake House (Kelly), Troy Kaptur, Hannah Piedt and Wade Kaptur; and great grandfather of eight. In addition to his parents John and Olive Piedt (Prilliwitz), he was preceded in death by his brother Darrell and wife Velma. Memorial donations may be made out to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph and Woodland Terrace Retirement Community in Bridgman.